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What is the Challenge Course?One of the special features of the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center is our High and Low Ropes Challenge Course.

The Challenge Course provides participants with a unique opportunity to work and play together on a series of problem solving, group decision making, and positive risk taking activities.

What makes your Challenge Course unique? While many adventure course programs claim to be team building/group oriented, ours actually is! The majority of our elements have the sole purpose of engaging young people to work together to complete a task. By keeping the group together and on task, young people are not standing around bored while watching others complete the elements.

What type of group is this for? Many youth programs benefit from a day on the Challenge Course! Peer/Campus ministry leaders, Scout troops, junior high and high school youth groups, athletic teams, service groups, student councils, college leadership teams and many more!Please note- while the Challenge Course is a wonderfully engaging retreat encounter for many young people, it is NOT tailored or intended for confirmation prep or middle school field trips.

How long is the program? Typically, a Challenge Course program runs 3-5hrs depending on the size of the group and the desired elements.

When is the Challenge Course available? We operate from early April through late October on weekdays and Saturdays.

What size group can you accommodate? We have a minimum of 15 participants and a maximum of 40 participants.

What about weather? We operate in most weather conditions.. The course supervisor will make the determination as to whether or not it is safe to continue in any given situation.

Do my chaperones need to run the course elements? No, our trained facilitators guide participants to improved communication skills, a lasting spirit of cooperation, and a commitment to shared goals. Participants learn how to apply what they've experienced to their school and work environments. A day on the Challenge Course creates a positive foundation upon which to build team development.

What about the spiritual component? Each element has a basis in Sacred Scripture. Various bible passages are applied to the processing discussion of each element. We hope to use this alternate style of retreat day to avail young people to some of the aspects of living as a small Catholic Christian community in today's world. Prayer is always an important part of our day.

When can we register? Registration deadlines for each season are as follows: Spring (April-June) by April 1 Summer (July- August) by June 1 Fall (September- October) by September 1

To inquire about the Challenge Course please contact Brian Caldwell at caldwebr@rcan.org or 201-998-0088 ext 4153.